Where to go to get an evaluation for dd11.

[5LittleMonkeys]

If I suspected that dd11 had Inattentive ADD where would I go to get an evaluation? Would I just start at her pediatrician? Thanks!

[sheryl]

Aime,

 

My almost 12 yo dd was diagnosed with add, adhd by a "pediatric neuropsychologist".

 

This was a very indepth test covering many hours. I asked for it to be broken up into 2 days so as not to overwhelm her. The test took 2 mornings with several breaks.

 

HTH. Sheryl <><

[5LittleMonkeys]

Thanks Sheryl,

 

Did you start at your ped. though or did you go straight to the pediatric neuropshychologist?

 

I'm completely ignorant when it comes to any of this. Could you tell me what types of tests they did. Dd gets very apprehensive if she feels she is being tested.

[goldberry]

Ugh, I have been going though this same process with DD11! I have spent hours on the phone. Her ped will only ask the checklist questions and then ask if you want medication. If that's all you want the ped can take care of it.

 

I wanted more info about how her brain was actually working. I checked with a Pediatric Psychologist who wanted $600. (no insurance here.) Finally we found Learning RX offers a cognitive testing for $199. Even though I doubt we will utilize any of their other services, the testing is supposed to still break down the different areas, working memory, processing speed, comprehension, like that. We actually have an appt tomorrow.

 

ETA, didn't mean to sound I am opposed to meds, I am having an open mind about them. I just wanted more information first.

Edited January 13, 2011 by coloradoperkins

[LibraryLover]

I would not trust anything not done by pediatric neurologists, which would most likely be at a Children's Hospital. You will probably need a referral from your pedi, and that can sometimes take time.

[5LittleMonkeys]

ETA, didn't mean to sound I am opposed to meds, I am having an open mind about them. I just wanted more information first.

I understand what you mean. The idea that mine might have ADD has kind of jumped out of nowhere so the thought of meds at this point kind of freaks me out.

 

I would not trust anything not done by pediatric neurologists, which would most likely be at a Children's Hospital. You will probably need a referral from your pedi, and that can sometimes take time.

 

Thank you. My pedi is really great so I think I will call tomorrow just to set up a consultation to discuss where to go from here. We are very close to an incredible children's hospital. I don't even know if my insurance would cover it so it may be a mute point though.

[sheryl]

Aime, No, my dd's ped did NOT recommend.

 

Let me explain. My 11 yo dd (turns 12 in May) has controlled epilepsy. A "side" issue to having epilepsy (even though it's fully controlled and they are planning on weaning her in a year or two) are other issues: add, adhd, odd, and who knows what else.

 

So, here's my dd seizure free for 3 years next month (PTL), but as a result we started seeing other symptoms like: attention deficit, poor memory recall, poor processing, behavioral problems like defiance and so on. Epilepsy goes hand in hand "usually" with these issues. These are "neurological" conditions except the behavioral ones.

 

I was in tears one day talking with the neurol whom I've gotten to know quite well by phone (she's great!) and I explained all the symptoms to her neurol and they HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SHE BE TESTED BY A PEDIATRIC NEUROLOPSYCHOLOGIST! We did so....you read my first reply and the results came in.

 

In seems logical that since you're not dealing with a specialist then you seek a referral from your dd's ped. You would want to explain your challenges in great detail. Be very specific. Explain your frustrations and ask for a referral. If you or your dh is employed and carry insurance...well, your employment carries benefits. Check with your insurance up front to ask if neuropsychological testing is covered. Do you have a deductible? If so, how much? Ask if the name of the ped n you choose for testing partners with your insurance to be sure he is covered.

 

This doctor should be able to connect the dots. If your dd is having issues like my dd, then she may decline in school and you'll play catch up for a long time. No one wants that. They should comply with your request for a referral.

 

HTH. Sheryl <><

[5LittleMonkeys]

Sheryl, thank you so much. I've been making a list of problems I'm noticing so I should probably take that with me to the ped. I always forget things when I'm sitting in the office.

 

We haven't had any major problems such as some you mentioned but I'm noticing things, that have always just seemed like quirks that the whole family notices, are becoming more pronounced\exaggerated. Her frustration level is increasing also. It could be her age or hormones but she exhibits all of the "symptoms" they list on several different websites for Inattentive ADD. This coupled with the fact that I've recently become pretty sure she has some variation of discalculia makes me feel that its time for an evaluation so that we know what we are dealing with and how to proceed.

 

Thank you again to all who posted.

[gracesteacher]

I would also get a sleep test. The ADD list and an apenic child list are identical. I would not stop the persuit of ADD but add to that list a sleep study.